[Robotgroup] table top robot platform

[vkonradi at swbell.net]

Some observations based on experience of building some simple platforms:

Small tabletop size is handy, but can't accomplish anything useful.  Sumo 
is fun.

Big enough to carry a laptop is nice, but heavy is not.  I'd avoid steel 
and car batteries for the next one.

2-wheel differential drive is handy, efficient, and computationally 
simple.  The idler wheel(s) required (unless balancing) limit operation to 
flat bump-free terrain.

2-wheel balancing e.g. Segway is entirely within available compute 
power.  It does require sensors, probably balance gyro and wheel encoders 
at a minimum.  But a very worthwhile goal.  Not something I have 
implemented personally but I would like to.

A balancing robot with an arm, a gripper, and a camera on the 
gripper.  Something like a wheeled flamingo - could open the fridge and 
retrieve a beverage.  Now that's something useful for instance.

I will try to make it to the meeting.

At 09:35 PM 1/9/2007, you wrote:
>Might be an interesting project. I built two mini-sumos and a ring about 2 
>years back, but no one else wanted to build one. They are a compact size 
>to build and not too pricey. You can get kits for ~$100 for the 4x4x4 inch 
>mini-sumos, I believe. Might open up some table-top competitions like the 
>Dallas group holds. A modified mini-sumo could do line following, 
>wall-hugging, sumo, and other low-end feats.
>
>Paul
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: Gray Mack <gray_mack at yahoo.com>
>To: Austin Robotgroup Mailing List <robotgroup at puremagic.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2007 7:01:58 PM
>Subject: [Robotgroup] table top robot platform
>
>Is there any interest in committee designing a table top robot platform 
>within the robot group made from simple or off the shelf components?
>Granted we would have some variances but a basic similarity could enable 
>us to provide support/quantity buys to members and other people interested.
>This would be something you could build yourself with common tools like a 
>hand saw and drill but may require PCB board etch and solder skills.
>So we could have a how-to or instruct-able that trees out at some 
>variances and some base code library. (As few variances as possible so we 
>have a common platform to build upon) Then see where people take it.
>Some questions for those interested-
>Is this worth doing?
>What would be the desired price point over which you would not build it or 
>you would rather buy a bot or kit?
>How many hours would you be willing to spend building it to have some 
>basic functionality?
>What size, say 3.9 x 3.9 inch (mini sumo size) or 5x8 inch?
>For drive train, servo motors or stepper motors best or don't care?
>For construction: Carefully crafted, built, and bolted or inexpensive hot 
>glue and zip ties?
>What programming Language- Parallax basic, other basic, C, .net, java, 
>Something else, or willing to learn any?
>What things are necessary in the base platform-light sensor,distance 
>tracking,remote control,bumper sensing, object sensing?
>What things might you want to add on your own once the platform is done?
>Thanks for your input here or verbally at the next meeting.
>-Gray
>
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